The Optimists

I’m an early career theatre producer and professional actor of nearly 10 years. I have hidden disabilities and I’m neurodivergent.

I love my job because it has allowed me to travel to places I never thought I’d go. I’ve had the opportunity to meet remarkable people and work in incredible venues/sets, but I wanted to spread my wings with a new challenge…

I’ve recently started my first producing role and what draws me in, is the idea of making theatre happen, bringing it all together and driving a project forward. I excited to create work that gives a voice to those who are not heard or that are silenced and discover the voices we are unaware of in society.

I’m a theatre-maker and multimedia producer. I’ve recently launched a new theatre and events company, Hi Friends Productions, where I’m currently producing and performing in our debut small-scale show ‘Deadname’, a transgender queering of Frankenstein. I also work as a freelance photographer and videographer in events and theatre.

I’m focused on producing camp, experimental shows, which entertain and champion equality, and am currently writing a queer, feminist Rumplestiltskin pantomime and a new musical using Greek mythical creatures as an allegory for patriarchal dating culture.

Previously, I spent two years leading campaigns at the University of Birmingham Guild of Students, where I produced community events such as festivals and workshops on climate justice and mental health.

I’m a composer/writer/songwriter, closed my architectural consultancy to do what I always really wanted. I’ve always written *stuff*: Popular-Press features and fillers, tech/design stuff for Industry Press. Also, Script Associate with award-winning children’s TV show “No. 73” a lifetime ago!

Since changing direction I’ve written two Musicals, cooking a third, adapted one as a free online Show when Covid switched all the lights off. Have composed a 12-movement Suite for a classical ballet Work in a 2nd strand aimed at originating more Narrative-Dance.

At a “How can new writers get work Produced?” seminar pre-covid I asked a panellist at coffee break where even to start! Getting right in my face and finger-wagging, they answered “MAKE.IT.HAPPEN!”

‘Twas the best-ever advice … instead of chasing Producers, learn what a Producer knows to mount my Productions, also help others, make exciting things happen more widely!

I consider myself a progressive, creative practitioner with 15+ years of arts practice.

In my early years, I trained to be a professional dancer but realised I also had talents in other areas, I desired to use my passion for the arts and creativity as a tool to engage & empower diverse audiences. After university, I opened my stage school GAP Academy training young talent and collaborating with professional/emerging artists, performers, arts organisations and producers through workshops, training, and events.

I like writing spoken-word poetry and creating ideas for TV/Theatre and film projects. I’ve written 3 original plays that were produced into theatrical productions. My most successful play ‘The Tale of the Fatherless’ was adapted to film in 2021 becoming the first Birmingham-based feature film to be released in cinemas in over 10 years and has since received multiple nominations and awards. Now my goal is to produce urban musical theatre.

Hello! I am an emerging writer, experienced workshop leader and theatre maker – I love performing but also love the behind the scenes! I graduated from the Royal Birmingham Conservatories with a BA (Hons) in Applied Theatre (Community and Education).

I’ve been awarded Arts Council funding and I’m currently in the R&D (research and development) phase of my new stage play Positive Risk, which explores and raises important questions about the current state of the underfunded, outdated mental health system – based off people’s lived experiences.

What excites me the most about The Optimists and producing is having the knowledge and tools to produce and create theatre that challenges and raises important questions within society – in a hope for change! I have a real interest in people’s stories and what art can be made from them, which may not involve producing in a traditional theatre setting – which is exciting!

I am a multidisciplinary artist and the Artistic Director of Curl Girl Productions CIC.

Curl Girl is an inclusive actress led theatre company celebrating South Asian culture and identity through dynamic storytelling. With particular focus on creating work on the borderline of conventional and community theatre and developing opportunities for South Asian artists within the Midlands that promote positive personal and social change.

I am really keen on expanding my knowledge and leadership skills as a producer of South Asian Theatre in the Midlands. I have been an actress and writer for over 20 years and have finally stepped into the role of a producer which will allow me to continue to work within the Midlands.

Being a mother of two young boys has been testing and prevented me from pursuing work. I am looking to build my network and educate myself to fulfil the role of a successful producer.

I am a Northants based facilitator and aspiring producer who enjoys working with young people and marginalised communities. I’m excited by work created with and by communities that captures their voice.

I studied applied arts and have worked across the UK and internationally on projects ranging from the drama courses in the secure estate, filmmaking with young offenders, singing lantern parades, plays capturing the history of Northampton and a 24-hour clowning workshops based on Greek plays. I’m always up for a fun challenge.

Apart from my love of theatre, I enjoy learning new things and growing things in my garden.

Photo © Khandie Photography

I believe that art and creative rebellion can make the world a better place. As such, I strive to create artworks which inspire others to commit their own acts of creative rebellion, to self-express and to use art as a lens to think critically about their world.

Currently, I do this by creating films, virtual installations, poetry/prose and mini public art interventions. I’m looking forward to being an Optimist and flexing new producing skills to create hybrid shows for the stage. First up, an adaptation of A WALK IN THE PARK – my animated film featuring a winged faceless woman, a piano-playing heart and a posthuman fine dining restaurant (official selections inc. Verve Poetry Festival, Flatpack Festival, and Fringe Arts Bath Festival).

My wish list project = REVERSE HEIST – a knowledge transfer, micro animation film loving, co-creation project that I hope to produce with artists and future adults in the West Midlands.

Coming from a performance background and now stepping in to creating my own work, I’ve been on a crash course in producing the last few months!

I’m really looking forwards to filling in the holes amongst the skills I’ve already learnt, allowing me to put my best foot forward when putting my own work out there.

I’m also new to the midlands, so looking forward to connecting with more like-minded creative in the area.

I am a freelance movement artist, choreographer and dance teacher from Birmingham who graduated from the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

I have choreographed for the Commonwealth Games 2022, Windrush Carnival Queen Final, Echelon (a dance short film) as well as music videos. I set up my own business, Royalty In Movement (RIM) in 2023 which is about producing and “using movement to enhance your vision”. Last year, I produced my first dance visual “Essence” which is based on a Contemporary Fusion mix including Traditional African Dance.

I am looking forward to becoming an Optimist as I am excited to see how I grow as an individual as well as a creative over the course and beyond. I am looking forward to scaling my work to larger audiences and to work more with individuals and companies across the Midlands and the rest of the UK.

I’m Zainab, a freelance writer and artist. I have experience running life-drawing, writing and spoken word workshops and have created ekphrastic poetry journals and arts exhibitions. Professionally, I’m training as a project manager and would love to eventually transfer these skills into producing in the arts full-time.

I love writing for theatre and am currently a Trustee at Curve Theatre where I also chair the youth panel. As you can probably tell, my artistic interests are varied, and I love experimenting with mix-and-matching different mediums.

I’m excited to join The Optimists so that I can learn from my peers and China Plate on how I can produce exciting arts-based events as a career.

I work as an Arts Administrator at Derby Theatre, working across all departments. As well as working in commercial theatre, I take an active role in local community theatre too.

Having been inspired by my colleagues, I would like to build on what I’ve learned from working at Derby Theatre and look forward to learning more about producing in the subsidised sector.

I am passionate about working class people having access to career pathways in theatre. My aim is to breakdown and demystify entry routes and barriers to producing new work and I want to work towards establishing a legacy of accessibility and transparency for those that come after me.

I am Helena and I am an actor based in the East Midlands, originally from Liverpool.

I am incredibly passionate about theatre and the value and impact it can have on a community. I am excited by its ability to inspire people, allow creativity, generate new ideas, embrace authenticity, push boundaries and cultivate social change. I am keen to explore how we can create work that focuses on community engagement and encourages the sharing of new stories, giving them the platform they so rightly deserve.

I am really looking forward to how The Optimists can help me develop my skills and inform my future practice.

I am a Zimbabwean born, Birmingham based artist, poet and writer with an interest in other mediums such as immersive XR, music and textiles. I work primarily as a freelance illustrator for children’s publishing, editorial publications, and charities, although my most recent work has been in community-led co-creation projects and leading arts workshops for schools, hospitals and charity organisations.

I am interested in learning how to use my art and storytelling practice to create immersive multimedia arts experiences. Also, I want to learn the ins and outs of producing arts events and starting up an arts space for young people.

Viktoria is a Greek / Mauritian / Ghanaian (Keta), Coventry based community producer, and facilitator. Her commitment and passion to tackle loneliness and isolation through creativity. Bringing people together through their stories and creating safe spaces that celebrates diversity and cultivates acceptance and belonging.

She practices the process of collaboration and co-creation to learn, create, and connect. Her creative practice has led to co-found COVert Arts (2020) – a Coventry based grassroots artist collective that prioritises the interests of local communities that traditionally face barriers from the arts. Produced “Creative Wellness” (2022) – a creative programme, that took a wellness holistic approach in supporting women with lived experiences around infertility and mental health challenges.

Viktoria was part of Projekt Europa – Projekt Elevate (2023) looking at baby loss and the transformational journey from loss to healing and hope through exploring movement, creative writing, visual and performance.

I am an early-career arts producer with a background in theatre and opera.

I currently work for a large regional theatre where I support artist development, but also assistant produce across home and co-productions, community and education programmes.

I’m on a journey to figure out what kind of work I want to make, but I’m particularly excited about contemporary theatre and music, immersive and site-specific work, and projects that have social action or social justice at their heart.

My name is Ananya. I am South Indian, grew up in the Middle East in Oman, and moved to Scotland in 2019 to pursue an undergraduate degree in Theatre and Politics from the University of Glasgow. I currently work as Development Officer at Derby Theatre.

I love story telling in all its forms and am keen on pursuing a career in Creative Producing with a particular focus on dramaturgy. I want to be able to support the performance-making process in holistically. I am looking forward to the Optimist course and the insights that will be offered into the production process.

I’m a director, dramaturg, facilitator and access consultant based in Birmingham.

The theatre that excites me as an artist and as an audience member is established stories being told in innovative and new ways, and particularly enjoy working with Shakespeare and with comedy. As a disabled artist, I am always keen to figure out ways my work can be more accessible, for both the artists creating it and the audience.

I’m really looking forward to learning more about producing, as I want to start creating and touring my own work.

I am currently a programmer at a major West Midlands theatre. As part of my role, I am also Assistant Producer on several upcoming productions as well as a new work festival.

My interests include new writing and musical theatre, and I am passionate about showcasing local talent and voices and bringing theatre to new audiences.